Amplified spontaneous emission and optical gain spectra from stilbenoid and phenylene vinylene derivative model compounds

We report single-pass optical gain measurement in poly(styrene) waveguides doped with stilbenoid and phenylene vinylene derivative model compounds under picosecond excitation. Using a wavelength dependent model of amplified spontaneous emission, we produce optical gain spectra for these materials. Net optical gains of g = 15-20 cm(-1) are deduced. The spectra also exhibit features consistent with excited state absorption and fluorescence depletion via stimulated emission. A figure of merit describing the potential of a material for use as a laser medium is presented and comparisons with other recent publications are made. This comparison indicates that organic materials can compete with inorganic semiconductors for optically pumped applications. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)05320-7].